Told completely in flashback, Miramont’s Ghost is the story of Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs, Colorado and how it came to be haunted. Well, to be honest, it’s the story of everything leading up to that.

Adrienne Beauvier is the beloved granddaughter of the Comte de Challenbelles. She’s full of joy and inquisitiveness, and she sees visions. What Adrienne doesn’t know is that her grandmother, who died during the birth of Adrienne’s mother, also had the sight. The family, who already struggles with the town’s gossip regarding the grandmother, is intent on keeping this a secret. But it is next to impossible to keep Adrienne quiet, as she is only four and full of exuberance. She doesn’t yet understand that there are just some things that you don’t say, especially in earshot of those hungry for malicious talk.

She knows her cousin, much older than she and a priest outside of Santa Fe, is poisoned. She knows that her aunt saves him, and they will be at their home when the family returns from church. But she doesn’t know why this happened. At least not right away. And once she figures everything out, is it too late for her?

There are so many people who surround Adrienne who could support her and love her, but they are all selfishly caught up in their own lives or miseries. Some of the underlying vileness comes on slowly, but not implausibly. I was really enjoying this story, but I was extremely disappointed in the ending. Fortunately, I did read the afterword where the author stated that most of the events in this story were based on true events, from the report of a ghost in Miramont to the castle being abandoned and other bits. Still, it wasn’t enough to assuage my grumpiness at the ending.

Miramont’s Ghost by Elizabeth Hall was published February 1, 2015 by Lake Union Publishing. This book was free on Amazon.

Rating: 3

Genre: Young Adult Fiction Historical MysteryAges: 13 and up

COYER Scavenger Hunt #66: Read a book with a castle on the cover. (5 points)